Coronavirus and orphanages

For children in vulnerable families, Coronavirus is not just a health crisis—it places them at urgent risk of losing their loving homes and childhoods to the neglect of an orphanage. Children already confined to orphanages are facing increased levels of abuse, harm and infection due to staff shortages. These children are voiceless, forgotten and need your help now.

The UK Government has come under attack from international child rights campaigners after making emergency legal changes which affect the way children in the English care system are looked after during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Coronavirus pandemic puts children living in orphanages at even greater risk of neglect, abuse and illness. But rushing to close institutions as a response to the crisis will only add to the dangers they face.

Lourenza Steytler-Foghill, who leads our ‘One Child One Family’ strategic project in South Africa, explains how her dedicated team is helping vulnerable children and families survive one of the toughest lockdowns on earth.

Valeria Draganova co-ordinates support for vulnerable children as part of Hope and Homes for Children’s expert local team in Bulgaria. This is how she describes their priorities in the face of Coronavirus.

In numbers

Every child wants a safe, loving family to grow up in. But over 8 million children confined to orphanages around the world are denied this, with often catastrophic effects.

A global movement for change

Hope and Homes for Children is working towards a day where every child can grow up in a loving family. We know we will only achieve this by working with others. Through our partnerships with national governments, civil society organisations, international agencies, corporate donors and committed individuals, we are helping to build a global movement that will eliminate orphanages in our lifetime.

Transforming childcare systems

Hope and Homes for Children is working alongside governments and civil society organisations in over 30 countries to dismantle orphanage-based care systems. Our transformation model is driving reform and laying the foundations for long-lasting change.

On this day we bring you Galina's story: Faced with the terrible dilemma of having her children sent to an orphanage if she left her violent husband, her courage and determination meant that she is now able to bring her children up within the love and safety of a family.

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